You will need to specify the task (software development, novel writing, composing music etc) that you have in mind, otherwise this question is more like asking for some information on the correlation between display space and productivity.
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tehnyitJun 29 '11 at 21:38

@tehnyit: A correlation is fine with me, I am looking for a more general answer. I think that all three examples that you list benefit, so giving a more explicit situation doesn't really make a difference. I also tend to think that if one had too much screen space that it would serve as a distraction. Mobile phones can be productive too, to a certain limit. I'm wondering if there is a correlation or certain interval of sizes that result in better productivity, and whether research has been done on it...
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Tom WijsmanJun 29 '11 at 21:43

In my experience, multiple monitors help to create focus on different contexts.
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Bernard Vander BekenJun 29 '11 at 21:52

@Bernard This is just an opinion, you aren't restricting your answer to facts and research; pure experience not backed up with proper statistics is not constructive. See also: Good subjective, bad subjective.
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Tom WijsmanJun 29 '11 at 22:00

@Bernard I agree = Having separate monitors is better for me than having 1 massive monitor. Right now, ive got email on half of one monitor, browser in other half, powerpoint and word on the other monitor.
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SimonJun 29 '11 at 23:48

As a software engineer, I find two screens pretty much essential for my work. However if I am trying to focus on writing or some other single task, I tend to use my other screen for browsing the web and general procrastination, which isn't good! I have on occasion actually switched off my second screen to prevent this!

But what i think is crucial is how tidy you're with the space you have

Try to do a little exercise, look around you and check how you're using the physical space on your table, is it filled up with stuff you are not using since... ages ago? then an upgrade of pixels in your screen or gettin another monitor, won't make any diference to your productivity.

I've seen many people with a desktop filled with literally hundreds of icons, including documents, application links and so,

Before gettin' an upgrade (and i think this can be applied to many other subjects) ReConsider how you are using what you already have.

As far as "facts and research" goes, you won't find any that general. Do you have the right tools to accomplish your goals isn't something academic research is done on, especially if you haven't mentioned what those goals might be.

My take: there's an optimal number of pixels you need to complete the tasks you need to complete. Worry about that number, not the number of monitors you have. That optimal number, for the vast majority of people is about 2500x1400.

Clay based this opinion off of the fact that sources of some articles stating the efficiency of multiple monitors increased, were often funded by monitor companies.

If you follow the money, you can likely predict the results—the study was commissioned by monitor manufacturer NEC. And surprise, the results of the study are: buy bigger, more expensive monitors!